Wilmington Sharks co-owner hurt in explosion at Fayetteville stadium

Friday

May 25, 2012 at 1:43 PM

A gas grill inside a concession building was leaking propane.

By Dan SpearsDan.Spears@StarNewsOnline.com

Wilmington Sharks co-owner Darrell Handelsman was one of four people injured Thursday by an explosion at Fayetteville's J.P. Riddle Stadium.The UNC Jaycee Burn Center in Chapel Hill confirmed Friday that Handelsman is a patient at its facility.Sharks general manager Andrew Aguilar also said Friday afternoon that he had spoken with Handelsman's wife, Jody. Aguilar said that Handelsman has injuries to his face, ears, hands and the bottom half of his legs."From what I hear, he's gonna be there a while," Aguilar said.Officials say four people were injured after an explosion in a gas grill inside a concession building at Riddle Stadium.Handelsman and his father, Lew, co-own both the Sharks and Fayetteville SwampDogs of the Coastal Plain League for summer collegiate wooden-bat baseball.Handelsman is also the manager for the SwampDogs, who are scheduled to play the Sharks in Fayetteville on Wednesday and at Buck Hardee Field on Thursday.Authorities said employees were unaware that gas was leaking from a propane line. When they tried to light the commercial-size grill, the gas fumes ignited.The staff had been preparing for the team's home opener and the SwampDogs planned to hold workouts Sunday and Monday. It's unclear how the accident may affect the schedule. Damage to the stadium was said to be minimal. The Sharks play their home opener Tuesday against Morehead City.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.